BALCO Achieves Major Milestone with First Metal Production from India's Largest 525 kA Smelter

Historic Production Begins at Korba Facility

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, has announced the successful production of its first metal from India's largest 525 kilo Ampere (kA) smelter. This significant achievement, reported on October 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the Indian aluminium sector and is a key step towards the company's goal of reaching a 1 Million Tonne Per Annum (MTPA) capacity. The state-of-the-art smelter is located in Korba, Chhattisgarh.

Technological Advancement and Capacity Expansion

The newly commissioned 525 kA smelter represents a substantial technological leap, surpassing the previous national benchmark of 378 kA. This advancement sets new standards for scale, efficiency, and operational excellence within the industry. The first metal production is part of BALCO's broader expansion project, which includes the commissioning of a new 0.435 MTPA potline. This will elevate BALCO's total aluminium production capacity to 1 MTPA, thereby placing the company among an elite group of global producers in the 'Million Tonne Club'.

Boosting India's Self-Reliance and Industrial Growth

This expansion is strategically aligned with the Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative and its vision for national self-reliance. By significantly increasing the availability of domestically produced, high-quality aluminium, BALCO aims to cater to critical sectors such as defense, aerospace, automotive, construction, and power transmission. With this enhanced capacity, BALCO is projected to contribute over 20 percent of India's total aluminium output, solidifying its position as a leader in the nation's industrial progress.

Leadership Statements and Collaborative Efforts

Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, emphasized the profound impact of this milestone, stating, 'BALCO has made a significant impact by entering the million-tonne club.' He further added that this achievement reinforces BALCO's commitment to 'nation-building with responsibility, efficiency, and innovation,' and is expected to boost employment opportunities and stimulate allied industries. The successful execution of this ambitious project was a collaborative effort involving leading global and domestic partners, including:

• Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
• Asea Brown Boveri (ABB)
• Siemens
• Guiyang Aluminium Magnesium Design & Research Institute Co, Ltd (GAMI)

These partnerships were instrumental in deploying advanced engineering, automation, and efficiency-driven systems at the new smelter. Furthermore, with BALCO's capacity reaching 1 MTPA, the overall capacity of Vedanta Aluminium will increase to 2.8 MTPA, positioning it as one of the world's largest aluminium producers.